Old tennis items still come up aces with sports-minded buyers
Terry & Kim Kovel
Q: We received an extensive collection of Jewel Tea dinnerware. Is there any interest in this?
A: Frank Vernon Skiff, a grocer from Newton, Iowa, started Jewel Tea. He began delivering groceries door-to-door from a horse-drawn wagon in 1899 and established company headquarters in Chicago in 1901.
The first Jewel grocery stores opened in 1932. Traveling salesmen continued to sell Jewel products until 1981. Autumn Leaf pattern dinnerware was Jewel Tea’s most popular premium. It was made by Hall China from 1933 to 1978.
Jewel Tea dinnerware was originally a premium given to customers who bought groceries. A different piece was offered to customers each week. Interest depends on the pattern of your china. An Autumn Leaf cup and saucer sells for about $26. There is a club for collectors, the National Autumn Leaf Collectors Club (nalcc. org).
CURRENT PRICES
Current prices are recorded from antiques shows, flea markets, sales and auctions throughout the United States. Prices vary in different locations because of local economic conditions.
• Smith Brothers cracker jar: silver plate mouth, cover and handle, melon lobed, opaque white, flowers, circa 1880; 5¼ by 2¾ inches; $110
• Quimper oyster platter: 24 black outlined wells; orange, yellow and pink flowers; yellow and black concentric circles; 16½ inches; $120
• Leather screen:
4 panels, country scenes, baskets, barns, trees, serpentine top, Louis XV style; 83½ by 90 inches; $580
• Amberina stork vase: pressed glass, bird capturing a snake, bull rushes, rocks, New England Glass Works, circa 1885; 4½ by 2¼ inches; $1,180
• Santa Claus lamp: figural, red robe, mound of snow, glass, opalescent, nutmeg burner, Consolidated Lamp & Glass Co., circa 1894; 9½ inches, $3,240
Terry Kovel and Kim Kovel, authorities on collectibles, write for the King Features Syndicate. Visit www. kovels.com.